The stamps showcase real shelter animals, with their individual stories on the back of the stamp booklet. Each animal image is close cropped to show the most "personality." Detaching the stamps allows users to symbolically free the animal from its pen. In the background behind each animal is a black-and-white sketch of what could be its dream home.

"Close to 180,000 animals are admitted into shelters annually," says Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). "This new series highlights that pet companions can come in all shapes and sizes - all they need is a good home."

"These stamps show us what the shelters in Canada are accomplishing," says Deepak Chopra, President and CEO of Canada Post. "The creativity incorporated into the design provides interaction and a true connection to each individual stamp and its story, ideally changing the stigma associated with shelter animals."

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies recommends that Canadians go to their local humane society when considering pet adoption.

"Adopted animals come with great benefits: they have been spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated and had a full vet check-up in addition to having their physical and behavioral health tested to ensure they are ready for a new home," says Barbara Cartwright, CEO of the CFHS. "But the real reward of adoption occurs when the right animal comes into your life and becomes a part of the family."

The official first day cover will be cancelled in Ottawa, Ont. in honor of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. The stamps are available in booklets of 10 stamps and souvenir sheets of 5 stamps. To purchase philatelic products, please visit canadapost.ca/shop.